Rain fails to dampen Delhi’s Dussehra spirit

Abrupt evening showers threaten to drench effigies, but burning of Ravana takes place as planned

- Aheli Das and Gargi Shukla

Millions of city residents celebrated Dussehra and Vijaya Dashami on Thursday with pomp and fervour, even as sudden showers swept the city, drenching effigies, but failing to dampen the spirit.

Despite the sudden turn in weather, crowds thronged Ramlila grounds across the Capital, cheering as towering effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna, and son Meghnad went up in flames, marking the triumph of good over evil.

At many venues, the spectacle came after a tense wait as organisers scrambled to salvage waterlogged grounds, soaked effigies, and drenched seating.

At the iconic Luv Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds, one of Delhi’s grandest celebrations, the first downpour sent spectators scurrying for cover. Organisers said that for a moment they feared the event would fizzle out.

“People were running here and there for shelter. We thought the crowd would disperse and the effigy burning would not be as exciting. But instead, more people gathered to watch,” an organiser said. Extra dry grass and kerosene were deployed to ensure the sodden effigies burned bright.